Obituary of Frances R. Queen

Frances R. Queen, a longtime resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully on Saturday night, April 19, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. She was 90 years old.

She was born Antoinette Ruth Mileck and, though her early years were not easy, she faced life with strength and resilience. After entering the foster care system, she was given the name Frances Milak and was raised in Woburn, MA, by the McDevitt family, whom she considered her true family. She grew up alongside others she lovingly called siblings. She remained especially close with Marion Curtin whose children and grandchildren were like her own.

Later in life, Frances was fortunate to reconnect with many of her biological siblings, all of whom predeceased her. She traveled as far as Wisconsin to meet them and spent many holidays with her brother Frank, his wife Mary, and their daughter Theresa—memories she cherished deeply.

On September 23, 1956, at the age of 21, Frances married the love of her life, Joe Queen. She devoted her life to their marriage and their home in Woburn, where she remained for the rest of her life. Frances and Joe shared a love of country music and made joyful trips to Nashville, Tennessee. They also enjoyed camping at Yogi Bear Park in Maine and traveling to Pennsylvania. Together, they were active members of the CB Club and the Moose Club, and Frances enjoyed activities like bowling and day trips to Hampton Beach and Gloucester, especially for seafood from Brown’s, Markey’s, and Woodman’s. 

Her early independence shaped her strong work ethic. After completing the eighth grade, Frances entered the workforce, taking on various roles in manufacturing and electrical parts businesses, including Whitman Products. However, she is most fondly remembered as a kitchen assistant—or "lunch lady," as she proudly called herself—at Linscott-Rumford Elementary School in North Woburn, a role she held until her retirement in 2012.

Frances’s favorite role, above all, was being Joe’s wife. She was heartbroken after his passing in 2010. Though she had no children of her own, she was blessed with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom loved her dearly.

Frances was a kind-hearted woman who always tried to do the right thing and make others feel cared for. If you met Frannie, you couldn’t help but love her. Watching her with others—especially Joe—was like seeing an unforgettable comedy film come to life. Her conversations were animated, joyful, and full of humor. Her presence left an impression on everyone she met.

She may have started her life alone and facing hardship, but Frances never let her past define her. She embraced life with love, strength, and an open heart—and, in doing so, created a truly beautiful life.

She was the sister of the late Frances Milak, Helen Hennelly, and Alfred Milak.  She was also loved deeply by all of her in-laws on the Queen side and her many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at the Woodbrook Cemetery, Salem Street in Woburn on Thursday, April 24 at 12:30 p.m.  Memorials in Frannie’s name may be made to Care Dimensions for the Kaplan Family Hospice House, www.caredimensions.org, Suite B-102, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or to Minuteman Senior Services at https://minutemansenior.org/ .  Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.